Trade Facts & Figures

99K
Population
A small, stable population supporting sustainable development
$1.7B
GDP
Estimated national GDP (World Bank, 2023)
459 km²
Land Area
An archipelago with rich biodiversity and prime tourism destinations

Why Trade in Seychelles

Sustainable Tourism
Seychelles is a world-renowned, high-end tourism destination, creating significant trade opportunities in services, hospitality supplies, and high-value food and beverage products.
Fisheries Hub
Port Victoria is one of the busiest tuna transhipment and processing ports globally. Seychelles exports canned tuna and other fish products, offering opportunities in the seafood trade and related industries.
Blue Economy
The government actively promotes sustainable development of marine resources, creating trade opportunities in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and related services.
Preferential Access
Membership in SADC, COMESA, AfCFTA, and Economic Partnership Agreements with the EU (ESA) and UK, alongside potential AGOA benefits, facilitates access for Seychelles' goods and services.
High Income Economy
As a high-income nation, Seychelles has strong per capita purchasing power, creating a market for quality imported goods and services.
Stable Political Environment
Seychelles boasts a stable political system, good governance, and a well-regulated business environment conducive to trade and investment.
Financial Services
The country has a developing offshore financial services sector, offering opportunities in international business company registration, banking, and insurance, which also contributes to trade in services.
Environmental Standards
Seychelles' strong commitment to environmental protection can create niche trade opportunities for sustainable and eco-labelled products.

Seychelles Trade News

Stay informed on Seychelles' economic growth, regional integration, and leadership in blue economy innovation.

Newly appointed CEO of the Seychelles Investment Board

Appointment of New CEO at Seychelles Investment Board

May 2, 2025
Blue Economy and Digital Transformation Summit

Seychelles Hosts Summit on Blue Economy and Digital Innovation

April 29, 2025
Seychelles and EAC strengthen trade ties

Seychelles–EAC Business Forum Strengthens Regional Partnerships

April 25, 2025
Seychelles economic sectors highlighted

USA TODAY Report Spotlights Seychelles’ Key Growth Sectors

April 23, 2025

Unlock The Potential Of Seychelles

Seychelles offers a vibrant and stable economy with significant opportunities in tourism, fisheries, and international business. By leveraging regional trade agreements and economic initiatives, businesses can expand their reach, increase competitiveness, and contribute to sustainable growth in the region.

Investment Facts & Figures

$400 Million

FDI Inflows

Annual foreign direct investment into Seychelles (2024)

3.5%

GDP Growth

Projected economic growth rate for Seychelles (2024–2026)

35%

Youth Population

Percentage of population under 25 years old in Seychelles

Why Invest in Seychelles

Tourism
Seychelles offers unparalleled opportunities in high-end tourism, including luxury resorts, boutique hotels, eco-lodges, yachting, and dive operations, supported by strong branding and high yields.
Blue Economy
Significant investment opportunities exist in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture (seaweed, sea cucumber, finfish), mariculture, seafood processing, marine biotechnology, and research, backed by strong government commitment and innovative financing (e.g., Blue Bonds).
Renewable Energy
With high reliance on imported fuels, Seychelles actively promotes investment in renewable energy, particularly solar PV (on land and water), wind, and potentially ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), to achieve its ambitious clean energy targets.
Financial Services
The country offers a regulated environment for offshore banking, insurance, company and trust formation, and investment funds, attracting international business and investment.
Conservation
Investment opportunities aligned with conservation, such as eco-tourism, habitat restoration, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy initiatives, are encouraged and supported.
Stability
Seychelles provides political stability, robust legal and regulatory frameworks, good governance, and respect for property rights, creating a secure environment for investors.
Investment Incentives
The Seychelles Investment Board (SIB) offers facilitation services, guidance, and a range of incentives under the Investment Act and specific sectoral policies to attract quality investments.
Digital Economy
With good submarine cable connectivity and a digitally literate population, opportunities are emerging in ICT services, software development, e-commerce, and digital solutions supporting tourism and financial services.

Key Investment Sectors in Seychelles

Tourism & Hospitality

Luxury hotels, resorts, villas, eco-lodges, dive operations, yacht charters, cruise tourism, restaurants, and ancillary services.

Fisheries & Aquaculture

Industrial tuna fishing and processing, artisanal fishing, aquaculture (seaweed, sea cucumbers, pearl farming, finfish), seafood value addition, marine biotechnology.

Financial Services

Offshore company registration, international banking, insurance, foundations, trusts, investment funds. Domestic banking and financial services.

Renewable Energy & Environment

Solar PV (rooftop, utility-scale, floating), wind power, waste-to-energy, energy efficiency solutions, conservation projects, marine protection technology.

ICT & Digital Economy

Software development, e-commerce, digital marketing for tourism, fintech solutions, e-government services, data centers.

Real Estate & Construction

Development of luxury residential properties, tourism-related infrastructure, commercial buildings, often with a focus on sustainable building practices.

Investment Incentives and Support (Facilitated by Seychelles Investment Board - SIB)

These incentives support national development and economic growth, aligning with Seychelles' strategic investment priorities.

Tax & Fiscal Incentives

(Vary by sector, investment size, and strategic importance)

  • Concessions on corporate tax for specific sectors (e.g., tourism, agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy).
  • Accelerated depreciation allowances.
  • VAT exemptions on specific capital goods and inputs.
  • Concessions on trade tax for specific items.

Operational & Logistical Support

  • Assistance with land acquisition or leasing.
  • Facilitation of work permits for expatriate skills.
  • Access to serviced industrial areas or facilities (where available).

Business Support & Facilitation

  • Seychelles Investment Board (SIB) as a one-stop-shop for investors.
  • Guidance on regulatory requirements.
  • Assistance with company registration and licensing.
  • Matchmaking with local partners.

Success Stories

Illustrative examples given the scale of the economy; focus on potential and established niches in Seychelles.

World-Class Luxury Tourism Brands

Seychelles is home to numerous leading international luxury hotel and resort brands (e.g. Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses, etc), demonstrating the attractiveness and viability of high-end tourism investment.

Sustainable Tuna Fishing and Processing Hub

Port Victoria is a leading tuna landing and transhipment port, with significant investment in canning and seafood processing facilities that export globally.

Innovative Blue Finance Mechanisms

Seychelles has pioneered innovative financing for the Blue Economy, such as the world's first sovereign Blue Bond, channelling investment into sustainable marine and fisheries projects.

Investment News

Lush green landscape with pristine beach in Seychelles

Seychelles Launches New Eco-Tourism Initiative to Protect Biodiversity

June 1, 2025
Coral reef with diverse marine life in Seychelles

Seychelles Expands Marine Protected Areas with Blue Finance Boost

May 28, 2025
Solar panels under a blue sky in Seychelles

Major Solar Power Project Inaugurated in Seychelles, Boosting Green Energy

May 15, 2025
Modern office building or tech hub concept in Seychelles

Seychelles Investment Board Highlights Growth in Digital Economy Sector

May 10, 2025

Technology Facts & Figures

Seychelles is rapidly adopting digital technologies, supported by strong government initiatives and a growing demand for connectivity across its islands. With increasing mobile usage and focused investment in ICT infrastructure, Seychelles is positioning itself as a leader in the Indian Ocean region’s tech-driven development.

79%
Internet Penetration
Population with internet access (2023)
153%
Mobile Subscription
Mobile subscriptions per 100 people (2023)
4
Tech Hubs
Active innovation spaces in Victoria and Mahé
6.5%
ICT Contribution
Share of national GDP (2023)
5
Key Digital Sectors
Including e-Government, Fintech, EduTech, Maritime Tech
23%
Fiber Optic Coverage
Households with high-speed fiber internet (2023)

Technology Sectors in Seychelles

Submarine cable landing station or data center in Seychelles

Maintenance and leveraging of robust international connectivity via submarine cables (e.g., SEAS, CECOM). Expansion of national fibre optic networks and 4G/5G mobile services. Development of data centres and cloud services.

Secure digital payment interface or blockchain graphic

Development of digital payment systems, online banking solutions, insurtech, and platforms supporting the international financial services sector. Blockchain and digital assets are areas of exploration.

Tablet showing smart hotel controls with a luxury resort background

Digital marketing, online booking platforms, smart hotel solutions (guest experience, energy management), virtual tours, and data analytics for understanding tourist behaviour and preferences.

Research vessel with marine monitoring equipment or drone over coastal area

Technology for sustainable fisheries management (vessel monitoring, catch data), aquaculture (monitoring systems), marine research, ocean observation, and marine conservation (e.g., GIS, drones for coastal monitoring).

Solar panels with a smart grid interface overlay

Technology for managing and integrating renewable energy sources (solar, wind) into the grid, smart metering, energy storage solutions, and demand-side management.

Person using an online government portal on a laptop or a digital ID card concept

Expansion of online public services, development of a national digital identity system, and use of data analytics for improved public administration and policy-making.

Student using a tablet for e-learning in a classroom setting

Integration of ICT into education for enhanced learning, online educational resources, and the development of digital skills relevant to the modern economy.

Doctor conducting a telemedicine consultation or a digital health record interface

Implementation of electronic health records, telemedicine solutions (especially for inter-island consultations), and digital tools for public health management.

Drone monitoring a protected natural area or a sensor network in a forest

Use of technology (sensors, drones, AI, data analytics) for biodiversity monitoring, anti-poaching efforts, protected area management, and climate change adaptation.

Leading Technology Hubs & Initiatives

Seychelles' Tech Ecosystem: Concentrated & Strategy-Driven

Skyline of Victoria, Mahé, highlighting modern infrastructure or a symbolic tech hub building

As the main island and location of the capital, Victoria, Mahé is the hub for all significant ICT infrastructure, government digital initiatives, telecommunications companies, financial institutions driving fintech, and any emerging tech startups or innovation spaces.

Government building or logo associated with DICT Seychelles

This government department is central to policymaking, strategy development, and implementation of national ICT and e-government initiatives. It drives the digital transformation agenda.

Logos of SIB and FSA or an abstract image representing investment and regulation

These bodies play a role in promoting and regulating tech-related investments, particularly in fintech and the broader digital economy.

Illustration of submarine cables connecting to an island, or a modern data centre facility

Investments in international fibre optic cables and the development of local data centre capacity are critical enablers for the entire tech ecosystem.

Handshake or collaborative meeting scene symbolizing partnership in a tech context

Collaboration between the government and the private sector (local and international) is key for developing and deploying new technologies and digital services.

Abstract cybersecurity graphic with shields and locks or a secure data server room

With the growth of the digital economy and international financial services, robust cybersecurity measures and data protection frameworks are increasingly important national initiatives.

Seychelles Technology News

Unlock The Potential Of Seychelles

Seychelles offers a vibrant and stable economy with significant opportunities in tourism, fisheries, and international business. By leveraging regional trade agreements and economic initiatives, businesses can expand their reach, increase competitiveness, and contribute to sustainable growth in the region.

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